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Monday, March 8, 2010

In 1784 the import tax on tea was reduced. This was wonderful news for the middle class and less wealthy people as it made tea drinking affordable to them. Unfortunately, the tax on silver was increased at the same time. The combination of these two factors substantially increased the demand for ceramic tea services. Transferware had just been invented and was in the very early years of production. Some of the most beautiful and collectible transferware teapots were made during this period and well into the 20th century.

I served my tea in an English transferware teapot by J & G Meakin in the Gainsborough pattern. It's a pretty blue transfer with fruits and flowers.

I chose the Charlotte pattern by Royal Staffordshire to compliment the teapot and teacups. Charlotte is a lovely pattern depicting a Victorian basket filled flowers. On the tray below, I've used a Charlotte creamer and open sugar bowl.

I used a vintage white table cloth with white flowers and blue embroidery.

I don't have fresh flowers so I put some pink silk roses in an antique silver, double handled vase. I love the look of these old silver pieces, even when they obviously could stand to be shined.

Isn't this a lovely toast rack? It's also in the Charlotte pattern and holds two slices of toast and has small bowls attached at each side for jam and butter. These are also great for bill sorting and holding small office supplies like paperclips.

I bought the crystal lamp at a garage sale a few years back for $1.50!

A Quote for your Thoughts:

Much of the character of every man may be read in his house. ~John Ruskin

Just lovely! I love your tranferware Tea set! The toast rack is so wonderful! The first one I seen that has side for jam and butter! The cloth is so beautiful! Love the lamp and the silver with flowers. Such a lovely setting! I love your table too! Thank you so much for joining me for Tea Time Tuesday. I just love your Tea and your show and tell with all the lovely pieces you have collected.

Thanks for visiting my blog.. and thanks for the invite to come see your blog! Oh my! I think I have bought from you on ebay and yikes! In trouble now you have a Etsy store!?..How can you part with all those lovelies?! Hmm maybe you can help me..Been looking for a transferware plate with rabbits..Will add you to my bloglist! I'll be back!Debra

Nancy, thats one of the most beautiful tea sets I've ever seen amd oh my goodness a toast holder- wow.. Every little detail makes it the perfect setting. You better be glad I dont live close by or I'd be swiping that table you used:-) Elegant and welcoming, doesnt get better than that.. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Beautiful table but I love anything blue and white! What a great place for tea. I love the toast rack (haven't seen one with the jam/butter dishes attached) -- my DH loves to call them toast "coolers" --

The tea set and toast rack are wonderful, and I love the silver flower container (I'd have thought the roses were real if you hadn't said they were silk!). The vintage embroidered cloth is perfect ... so beautiful, crisp, and fresh-looking. Nicely done!

Oh this is just so lovely. I love transferware of all kinds and this pattern is just stunning. I also appreciated the history of transferware, I didn't know that. Such a pretty tablescape and the tablecloth is fabulous too. Thanks so much for joining the party. I have so enjoyed your table today. Hugs, Marty

Nancy darling, I stumbled upon your blog and while here, I enjoyed my visit and taking afternoon tea with you very much. Your blog is loaded with interesting posts and lovely photos. I have joined your followers, and will return often to visit with you.

Hi NancyI am so glad you joined the tea party! I love your china. I am not familiar with that pattern called Charlotte but since I live in Charlotte I am definitely going to be on the lookout for it. ANd I love the littel toast rack. Now about that hands in your banner phot...I want it!!Rhondi

Nancy,Thanks for posting on my blog. Love the transferware. I have some pieces, myself. The house on the front page of my blog is our 1939 Cape Cod home. The original blueprints for the home came from Better Homes and Gardens.Robin

Nancy, this is the most lovely and charming table setting. I love the blue & white, it's just beautiful! And what a sweet little lamp you picked up for a song that goes perfectly with the setting. May I PLEASE come over to your house for tea? :)

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! I have just fallen in love with everything on this pretty little table!That lamp is so soft & glowing...what a bargain!I have learned a great deal since discovering your pretty blog. Very informative post, as always. Thanks for sharing your knowledge & your pretties!

Your tea set is lovely. I love how even the tray matches your tea pot. Blue and white transferware is a favorite of mine. Love the toast rack, too. Your tablecloth is so crisp. I know it's hard to iron linen.

Nancy, I love your beautiful tea set!!! It is so very, very pretty. You've made a lovely setting for tea. Nice tablecloth too. Your blog is great! Thanks for sharing the link about transferware. I am anxious to read more about it. Have a great Monday!

Hi Nancy, I live in Australia and just recently came across a blue and cream transfer ware Maling oversized cup and saucer (possibly 1920) with an oriental pattern on it. I cannot find anything like it on the web currently and am wondering if you could tell me if these are common or rare and an approximate value? thanks for any assistance with my search, kind regards Jess

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About Me

I am a designer and freelance writer specializing in and offering for sale one of the largest collections of 19th and 20th Century English transferware in the world. I love the history and art found in each piece I buy and sell. I've worked with designers and clients all over the world creating custom wallscapes, transferware displays and table settings.

I absolutely love what I do, selling English Transferware and authoring the blog Nancy's Daily Dish where I write educational posts on the subject, create tablescapes with different transfer ware patterns sharing the histories behind them, and share my love of design, cooking, poetry and appreciation of beautiful things.

After 28 years of marriage I am still crazy in love with my husband and the six children we have. I think of them and I smile.

I am so glad you took time to stop by my site. I hope you'll stop by my blog as well and say hello.